User manual

ECE 477 Final Report Spring 2004
1.0 Project Overview and Block Diagram
The WOrD system allows a user to remotely access a menu, and select items from that
menu. The remote device accepts menu information from a base station. The user will then
navigate these menus and select their choices. An LCD display will be used to view the menu
information and navigation buttons are provided for the user to access menu items and make
their selection. Remote devices communicate with the base station through an RF link. While
Bluetooth or 802.11 is an option for communication they are deemed too costly in terms of
development and integration. A serial transceiver provides the basic functionality needed with
much less overhead and is actually more commonly used for similar devices. This requires the
development of a communication/ authentication protocol between the host and remote devices.
A two channel transceiver for our prototype design is used because of cost and design overhead,
but a commercially viable system would utilize a transceiver with more channels when more
units are implemented. A bank of LED’s is controlled by the remote device’s microcontroller
and be illuminated when the remote device has been alerted by the base station that the user’s
table is ready. The remote device is powered by a single battery. In addition, interface software
allows a user to create menus and update remote devices. This software allows a user to view
orders submitted by remote devices as well as alert the devices when tables are ready. The goal
of this system is to enable a user to order drinks and appetizers from an easy to navigate menu
and have those items waiting at their table when they are seated.
The Wireless Ordering device is composed of two main units. First, the base station is
connected to the serial port of the host computer. It acts as a buffer between the PC serial port
and the remote device network through the RF link as shown in Figure 1-1.
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